Multi-target neural circuit reconstruction and enhancement in spinal cord injury

After spinal cord injury, impairment of the sensorimotor circuit can lead to dysfunction in the motor, sensory, proprioceptive, and autonomic nervous systems. Functional recovery is often hindered by constraints on the timing of interventions, combined with the limitations of current methods. To address these challenges, various techniques have been developed to aid in the repair and reconstruction of neural circuits at different stages of injury. Notably, neuromodulation has garnered considerable attention for its potential to enhance nerve regeneration, provide neuroprotection, restore neurons, and regulate the neural reorganization of circuits within the cerebral cortex and corticospinal tract. To improve the effectiveness of these interventions, the implementation of multi-target early interventional neuromodulation strategies, such as electrical and magnetic stimulation, is recommended to enhance functional recovery across different phases of nerve injury. This review concisely outlines the challenges encountered following spinal cord injury, synthesizes existing neurostimulation techniques while emphasizing neuroprotection, repair, and regeneration of impaired connections, and advocates for multi-targeted, task-oriented, and timely interventions.